Systems and apparatus for a three-wheeled vehicle

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rear portion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The front portion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion is configured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/553,542, filed Oct. 31, 2011, entitled, “Systemand Apparatus for a Three-Wheeled Vehicle,” which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments described herein relate to three-wheeled motor vehicles andmore specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to systemsand apparatus for reverse-trike vehicles.

In an effort to reduce cost of operation, it has been desirable toreduce the fuel consumption of automotive vehicles that include aninternal combustion engine. Accordingly, the size and power of someknown vehicles are being reduced to improve the fuel efficiency of theengines included therein. Moreover, internal combustion enginesthemselves are becoming ever more fuel efficient. Such advances inefficiency, however, are limited, and can contribute to an increasedinterest in alternatives to traditional four-wheeled automobiles.

One such alternative to traditional four-wheeled vehicles is amotorcycle. Known motorcycles are inherently more fuel efficient thaneven the smallest four-wheeled vehicles, and can also often provide alevel of performance that is otherwise not present in some four-wheeledvehicles. Thus, known motorcycles can provide a stimulating and fuelefficient alternative to known four-wheeled vehicles. On the other hand,motorcycles are inherently less safe than four-wheeled vehicles andtherefore, can be unacceptable to some potential motorists.

The goal of combining the desirable features of both four-wheeledvehicles and motorcycles has led to the development of three-wheeledvehicles. One known configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle includestwo wheels at the front of the vehicle and one wheel at the rear of thevehicle, commonly referred to as a “reverse-trike.” Known reverse-trikescommonly have very limited space to accommodate components thereof dueto their reduced width at the back end. Therefore, the vehiclecomponents, such as the engine and/or fuel tank, cannot be arranged inthe same manner as either motorcycles or four-wheeled vehicles.

Some known three-wheeled vehicles include a straddle seatingarrangement, similar to the seating arrangement of a motorcycle. Thisseating arrangement allows for the reduced width of the back end portionof the vehicle (i.e., that includes the rear wheel), at least in part,by accommodating certain drive train components, such as the engineand/or fuel tank, partially or completely under the seat. In some knownstraddle-style three-wheeled vehicles, the operational controls of thevehicle (e.g., throttle control, brake control, clutch control, etc.)are arranged at least in part on the handle bars, similarly to thosefound in motorcycles. In some instances, this arrangement of theoperational controls can deter potential motorists because of thepotential need to learn how to operate the controls. In addition, commonstraddle-style three-wheeled vehicles have an open seating area that canresult in drivers being subjected to undesirable conditions in the eventof inclement weather or the like. Moreover, open seating areas can beinherently more dangerous than enclosed seating areas that can furtherdeter potential motorists.

Other known three-wheeled vehicles include an enclosed seating area andcan further include a recumbent seating arrangement that is similar tothose found in four-wheeled vehicles. In some such vehicles, theoperational controls of the vehicle can be similar to those commonlyfound in four-wheeled automobiles. For example, some such vehicles caninclude a steering wheel and a foot pedal arrangement of the throttlecontrol, the brake, and/or the clutch. The configuration of suchvehicles, however, can often result in a further reduction of space withwhich vehicle components can be located. For example, in some knownreverse-trikes, the fuel tank is located below a portion of the seatingarea, thereby limiting possible seating arrangements. More specifically,the placement of the fuel tank below the recumbent seat can limit and/orprevent the implementation of an adjustable seating arrangement becauseof limitations in space and mounting locations. Accordingly, the seatsincluded in such instances can be substantially less ergonomic and/orcomfortable.

In an effort to accommodate drivers of varying sizes, the foot pedalcontrols of some such vehicles can be made adjustable. Adjusting thefoot pedal controls, however, can be difficult, time consuming, and/orcan require special tools. Furthermore, there can be an increasedpotential of loosening and/or moving of the foot pedal controls duringoperation that can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved systems and designs forthree-wheeled vehicles.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein relate to three-wheeled motor vehicles.In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing armand a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rearportion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The frontportion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion isconfigured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines alongitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configuredto be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines aradial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank iscoupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tankis above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a top view and a side view, respectively, of aschematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top view and a side view, respectively, of aschematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a top view and a side view, respectively, of aschematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7-12 are a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, a sideview, a top view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of athree-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13-20 are various views of a body of the three-wheeled vehicleillustrated in FIGS. 7-12.

FIG. 21 is a left side view and FIG. 22 is a right side view of a frameof the three-wheeled vehicle illustrated in FIGS. 7-12.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the three-wheeled vehicle of FIGS. 7-12.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the three-wheeled vehicletaken along the line X₁-X₁ in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the three-wheeledvehicle taken along the line X₁-X₁ in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view ofthree-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the three-wheeled vehicleshown without the body, taken along the line X₁-X₁ in FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the three-wheeled vehicleshown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of a rear portion of thethree-wheeled vehicle of FIGS. 7-12.

FIGS. 30-40 are various views of a front suspension system, according toan embodiment, included in the three-wheeled vehicle of FIGS. 7-12.

FIG. 41 is a side view of a drive train system, according to anembodiment, included in the three-wheeled vehicle of FIGS. 7-12.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the drive train system shown in FIG.41.

FIGS. 43 and 44 are a front perspective view and a rear perspectiveview, respectively, of a reverse gear assembly included in the drivetrain system shown in FIGS. 41 and 42.

FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a portion of the reverse gearassembly shown in FIGS. 43 and 44.

FIGS. 47 and 48 are perspective views of the reverse gear assembly shownin FIGS. 43 and 44 coupled to a rear wheel of the vehicle shown in FIGS.7-12.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a reverse gearassembly included in the three-wheeled vehicle of FIGS. 7-12.

FIGS. 50-55 are a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, aside view, a front view, a rear view, and a top view, respectively, of athree-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing armand a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rearportion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The frontportion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion isconfigured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines alongitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configuredto be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines aradial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank iscoupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tankis above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing armand a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rearportion, and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The frontportion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portionincludes an engine mounting portion and is configured to be coupled to aswing arm. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline, and includesa wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly.The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantiallyaligned with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in atleast one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear end portion of thevehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the engine mountingportion.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a body, aswing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portionand a rear portion, and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween.The body is configured to be coupled to the vehicle frame, and includesa seat support surface configured to support a seat. The swing arm iscoupled to the rear portion of the frame. The swing arm defines alongitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configuredto be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines aradial axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank iscoupled to the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above a planedefined by the seat support surface.

As used in this specification, the term “recumbent seat” refers to aseat that supports a person in a substantially recumbent position. Forexample, a recumbent seat can include a seat back portion such that therecumbent seat supports a portion of the back and a portion of the legsof a person. In this manner, the person can be seated in the recumbentseat such that the legs of the person extend away from the seat.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, the term “a mount” is intended to mean a single mount or acombination of mounts.

The embodiments described herein relate to three-wheeled vehicles. Morespecifically, the embodiments described herein are examples of athree-wheeled vehicle in a reverse-trike configuration, including twofront wheels and one rear wheel. The presented embodiments are meant tobe examples only. Thus, the systems and/or components can be included ina three-wheeled vehicle of varying configurations such as, for example,a standard trike (e.g., two rear wheels and a single front wheel).

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top view and a side view, respectively, of a schematicillustration showing a portion of a three-wheeled vehicle 1000,according to an embodiment. The vehicle 1000 includes a frame 1100having a front portion 1110 and a rear portion 1150 and defining alongitudinal centerline C₁. The frame 1100 can be any suitableconfiguration and can be formed from any suitable material. For example,in some embodiments, the frame 1100 can include tubing (not shown) thatcan be formed from any suitable metallic material such as, aluminum,aluminum alloy, steel, steel alloy, or any combination thereof.

The frame 1100 can include any suitable portion or region configured toreceive and/or couple to various components of the vehicle 1000. Forexample, while not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 1100 can beconfigured to support and/or be coupled to a body, a drive train, afront and rear suspension system, a set of wheels, a linkage system, anysuitable electronics, or the like such that the vehicle 1100 is suitablefor driving. Furthermore, the frame 1100 can include a firewall or othersuitable structure (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) configured to separatean operator from a portion of the drive train. For example, in someembodiments, the frame 1100 can include a firewall configured toseparate an engine coupled to the rear portion 1150 of the frame 1100from a passenger compartment defined by the front portion 1110 of theframe 1100.

The front portion 1110 of the frame 1100 includes a seat supportstructure 1120 configured to support at least a portion of a recumbentseat 1360. The seat support structure 1120 can be, for example, aportion of the frame 1100 that includes sufficient structure to supporta passenger seated in a recumbent position. Similarly stated, the seatsupport structure 1120 is configured to support a seat 1360 on which apassenger can be seated in a posture in which their legs do not straddle(or otherwise extend below on either side of) a portion of the seat1360, and in which their legs are at least partially forward. Forexample, in some embodiments, the seat support structure 1120 caninclude flat bar (e.g., aluminum flat bar, steel flat bar, etc.) that isfixedly coupled (e.g., welded or otherwise fixedly attached) to tubingthat forms a portion of the frame 1100. In this manner, the seat supportstructure 1120 can provide sufficient structure to which a portion ofthe recumbent seat 1360 can be coupled, either directly or indirectly.In some embodiments, the seat support structure 1120 can include a seatback portion (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) configured to support a backportion of the recumbent seat 1360 (e.g., the portion of the seat thatsupport the back of a person seated thereon). In some embodiments, thefront portion 1110 of the frame 1100 is configured to at least partiallyenclose, envelope and/or surround the recumbent seat 1360 when therecumbent seat 1360 is supported by the seat support structure 1120.

The recumbent seat 1360 can be of any suitable configuration, and isconfigured to support an operator of the vehicle 1000 such that theoperator can be seated thereon such that the operator's legs do notstraddle (or otherwise extend below on either side of) a portion of theseat 1360, and are extended away from (toward the front of) therecumbent seat 1360. In some embodiments, the recumbent seat 1360 can becoupled to an adjustable structure or mechanism that is in turn coupledto and/or supported by the seat support structure 1120. In this manner,the position of the recumbent seat 1360 can be adjustable along thelongitudinal centerline C₁ of the frame 1100, as described in furtherdetail below with respect to specific embodiments.

The rear portion 1150 of the frame 1100 is coupled to a swing arm 1251and a fuel tank 1460. More particularly, the swing arm 1251 is rotatablycoupled to the rear portion 1150 of the frame 1100 such that the swingarm 1251 can pivot relative to the frame 1100 about an axis that isnormal to the longitudinal centerline C₁. While not shown in FIGS. 1 and2, in some embodiments the swing arm 1251 can include and/or be coupledto any suitable suspension component(s) configured to influence themovement of the swing arm 1251 relative to the frame 1100. For example,in some embodiments, the swing arm 1251 can be disposed within a bearingand/or bushing (or set of bearings and/or bushings) that are coupled tothe rear portion 1150 of the frame 1100, thereby allowing the swing arm1251 to rotate relative to the frame 1100. Furthermore, the swing arm1251 can be coupled to a shock absorber (e.g., a spring and/or damper)that is in turn coupled to the rear portion 1150 of the frame 1100.Thus, the shock absorber can dampen and/or control a portion of themovement of swing arm 1251 relative to the frame 1100.

The swing arm 1251 includes a wheel mounting portion 1253 that isconfigured to be coupled to a wheel assembly 1280. The wheel mountingportion 1253 defines a radial axis R₁, as shown in FIG. 1. Expandingfurther, the swing arm 1251 can be arranged relative to the frame 1100such that the radial axis R₁ of the wheel mounting portion 1253 issubstantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline C₁ of the frame1100 in at least one plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radialaxis R₁ defined by the wheel mounting portion 1253 is substantiallycoaxial with the longitudinal centerline C₁ in the x-y plane (e.g., asseen in the top view of FIG. 1). Said another way, the longitudinalcenterline C₁ of the frame 1100 can be thought of as defining a plane ofsymmetry between a left side of the frame 1100 and a right side of theframe 1100 (as shown in FIG. 1) and the radial axis R₁ defined by thewheel mounting portion 1253 is substantially parallel with the plane ofsymmetry. In this manner, the swing arm 1251 and/or the wheel mountingportion 1253 are laterally centered at the rear portion of the frame1100. Similarly stated, this arrangement allows the frame 1100 to besuited for three-wheeled vehicles having a single rear wheel (i.e., areverse trike).

In some embodiments, the wheel mounting portion 1253 forms a bifurcatedportion of the swing arm 1251 that can extend on two sides of the wheelassembly 1280. In this manner, the wheel mounting portion 1253 candefine and/or include an axle (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) about whichthe wheel assembly 1280 can rotate. In this manner, when the wheelassembly 1280 is coupled to the wheel mounting portion 1253 of the swingarm 1251 a radial axis (not shown) of the wheel assembly 1280 can alsobe substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline C₁ of theframe.

As described above, the rear portion 1150 of the frame 1100 is coupledto a fuel tank 1460. The fuel tank 1460 can be any suitable shape, size,or configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the size and shapeof the fuel tank 1460 can correspond to the space constraints of thevehicle 1000. As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel tank 1460 is coupled to theframe 1100 such that the fuel tank 1460 is above a longitudinalcenterline C₂ defined by the swing arm 1251. Similarly stated, the fueltank 1460 is disposed above a line that can extend from the center ofthe wheel mounting portion 1253 to a center of a pivot point defined bythe rotatable coupling of the swing arm 1251 to the frame 1100. In someembodiments, the fuel tank 1460 can be positioned relative to the wheelmounting portion 1253 of the swing arm 1251 such that when the radialaxis R₁ of the wheel mounting portion 1253 is perpendicular to thelongitudinal center line C₂ of the swing arm 1251, the radial axis R₁intersects a portion of the fuel tank 1460. In other embodiments, whenthe radial axis R₁ is normal to a surface supporting the wheel assembly1280 (e.g., the ground), the radial axis R₁ can intersect a portion ofthe fuel tank 1460. Thus, although the fuel tank 1460 is shown in FIGS.1 and 2 as being spaced apart from the swing arm 1251 and/or the wheelassembly 1280 along the longitudinal centerline C₁ of the frame 1100, inother embodiments, at least a portion of the fuel tank 1460 can bedisposed directly above the swing arm 1251 and/or the wheel assembly1280.

Although the fuel tank 1460 is shown as being disposed within a volumedefined by the frame 1100 of the vehicle 1000, in some embodiments, allor a portion of the fuel tank 1460 can be disposed outside of the frame1100 while being coupled thereto. For example, in some embodiments, thefuel tank 1460 can be an integral part of or coupled to a vehicle body(not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) such that when the vehicle body is coupledto the frame 1100, at least a portion of the fuel tank 1460 is disposedoutside of a volume and/or envelope defined by the frame 1100.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the frame 1100can include an engine mounting portion that is disposed between the seatsupport structure 1120 and the swing arm 1251. Similarly stated, in someembodiments, the frame 1100 can accommodate a rear-mounted engine. Forexample, FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top view and a side view, respectively, ofa schematic illustration showing at least a portion of a vehicle 2000,according to an embodiment. Certain portions of the vehicle 2000 can besubstantially similar to the vehicle 1000 described above with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, such portions of the vehicle 2000 that aresimilar to corresponding portions of the vehicle 1000 are not describedin further detail.

The vehicle 2000 includes a frame 2100 having a front portion 2110 and arear portion 2150 and defining a longitudinal centerline C₃therebetween. As described above, the frame 2100 can be coupled to anysuitable system or subsystem. For example, the frame 2100 can beconfigured to support and/or be coupled to a body, a drive train, afront and rear suspension system, a set of wheels, etc. For example, insome embodiments, the front portion 2110 of the frame can be coupled toa suspension system including a left spindle and a right spindleconfigured to be coupled to a left wheel and a right wheel,respectively. Furthermore, the frame 2100 can include a firewall orother suitable structure (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) configured toseparate an operator from a portion of the drive train (e.g., anengine).

As described above, the front portion 2110 includes a seat supportstructure 2120 configured to be coupled to and/or support a recumbentseat 2360. In some embodiments, the seat support structure 2120 caninclude any suitable structure configured to support both a seatingportion and a back rest portion of the recumbent seat 2360. Similarlystated, the seat support structure 2120 is configured to support a seat2360 on which a passenger can be seated in a posture in which their legsdo not straddle (or otherwise extend below on either side of) a portionof the seat 2360, and in which their legs are at least partiallyforward. Moreover, the recumbent seat 2360 can be supported by and/orcoupled to the seat support structure 2120 via an intervening structuresuch as, for example, a slide assembly. Thus, in some embodiments, therecumbent seat 2360 can be movable along the longitudinal centerline C₃of the frame 2100.

The rear portion 2150 is configured to be coupled to a swing arm 2251and a fuel tank 2460. The swing arm 2251 can be rotatably coupled to therear portion 2150 of the frame 2100, as described above. Moreover, theswing arm 2251 includes a wheel mounting portion 2253 defining a radialaxis R₂ that is coupled to a wheel assembly 2280. The wheel mountingportion 2253 is arranged relative to the frame 2100 such that the radialaxis R₂ defined by the wheel mounting portion 2253 is substantiallyaligned with the longitudinal centerline C₃ of the frame 2100 within atleast one plane, as shown in FIG. 3. Said another way, the longitudinalcenterline C₃ of the frame 2100 can be thought of as defining a plane ofsymmetry between a left side of the frame 2100 and a right side of theframe 2100 (as shown in FIG. 3) and the radial axis R₂ defined by thewheel mounting portion 2253 is substantially parallel with the plane ofsymmetry. In this manner, the swing arm 2251 and/or the wheel mountingportion 2253 are laterally centered at the rear portion of the frame2100.

The rear portion 2150 includes an engine mounting portion 2160 to whichan engine (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) can be mounted. Similarly stated,the engine mounting portion 2160 is disposed between the front portion2110 of the frame 2100 and a portion of the swing arm 2153. Morespecifically, the engine mounting portion 2160 can be rearward of, forexample, a firewall such that the engine mounting portion 2160 isseparated from the seat support structure 2120 included in the frontportion 2110 of the frame 2100. The engine mounting portion 2160 caninclude any suitable hardware, bracket(s), accommodations for airducting, exhaust plumbing and the like such that an engine can bemounted thereto. In some embodiments, the engine mounting portion 2160can be configured to receive and/or accommodate a four-cylinder gasolineengine, such as, for example, a liquid-cooled motorcycle engine having adisplacement of 1000 to 1500 cubic centimeters. In some embodiments, theengine mounting portion 2160 can be configured to receive and/oraccommodate a Suzuki Hayabusa engine. Thus, the vehicle 2000 isconfigured such that the engine is disposed rearward of the recumbentseat 2360 and forward of the swing arm 2153.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel tank 2460 is coupled to the rear portion2150 of the frame 2100 such that at least a portion of the fuel tank2460 is disposed above the engine mounting portion 2160. The fuel tank2460 can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration. In someembodiments, the size and shape of the fuel tank 2460 can correspond tothe space constraints of the vehicle 2000. For example, as shown in FIG.4, the fuel tank 2460 can include a first portion that is entirely abovethe engine mounting portion 2160 and a second portion that is below aportion of the engine mounting portion 2160. In some embodiments, thesecond portion of the fuel tank 2460 can be disposed between the enginemounting portion 2160 and a structure of the frame 2100 that is coupledto the swing arm 2153. In other embodiments, the second portion of thefuel tank 2160 can be disposed between the engine mounting portion 2160and the front portion 2110 of the frame 2100 (e.g., forward of theengine mounting portion 2160 and rearward of a firewall or the like).

In some embodiments, the fuel tank 2460 can further be arranged relativeto the frame 2100 such that the fuel tank 2460 is above a longitudinalcenterline C₄ defined by the swing arm 2251. Similarly stated, the fueltank 2460 is disposed above a line that can extend from the center ofthe wheel mounting portion 2253 to a center of a pivot point defined bythe rotatable coupling of the swing arm 2251 to the frame 2100. In someembodiments, the arrangement of the fuel tank 2460 relative to theengine mounting portion 2160 can be such that fuel disposed with thefuel tank 2460 can be gravity fed to an engine (not shown) coupled tothe engine mounting portion 2160. In other embodiments, the fuel can bepumped into the engine using any suitable pump system (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a schematic illustration of a vehicle isshown in a top view and a side view, respectively, according to anembodiment. Portions of the vehicle 3000 can be substantially similar tothe vehicle 1000 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.Therefore, portions of the vehicle 3000 that are similar correspondingportions of the vehicle 1000 are not described in further detail.

The vehicle 3000 includes a frame 3100, a body 3300, a swing arm 3251and a fuel tank 3460. The frame 3100 has a front portion 3110 and a rearportion 3150, and defines a longitudinal centerline C₅ therebetween. Theframe 3100 can be coupled to any suitable system or subsystem, asdescribed above. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the frame 3100 iscoupled to the vehicle body 3300 (also referred to herein as “body”).The body 3300 is configured to substantially enclose and/or surround atleast a portion of the frame 3100. For example, in some embodiments, thebody 3300 can include an exterior portion that encloses a first portionof the frame 3100 and an interior portion that encloses a second portionof the frame 3100. In such embodiments, the exterior portion of the body3300 and the interior portion of the body 3300 can collectively enclosethe frame 3100. In some embodiments, the interior portion of the body3300 can have a seat support surface 3351, as further described herein.

The body 3300 can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration, asdescribed in detail below with respect to specific embodiments. The body3300 can include, define, or otherwise be coupled to any other suitablecomponents such as, for example, doors, head lamps, luggagecompartments, air intakes, suspension openings, etc. For example, insome embodiments, the front portion 3110 of the frame 3100 can becoupled to a suspension system including a left spindle and a rightspindle configured to be coupled to a left wheel and a right wheel,respectively. In such embodiments, the body 3300 can define a set ofopenings such that a first portion of the suspension system issubstantially enclosed by the body 3300 and a second portion of thesuspension system is disposed outside of the body 3300. In someembodiments, the body 3300 and/or the frame 3100 can include a firewallor other suitable structure (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) configured toseparate an operator (e.g., at the front portion 3110 of the frame 3100)from a portion of the drive train (e.g., an engine at the rear portion3150 of the frame 3100).

The front portion 3110 of the frame 3100 includes a seat supportstructure 3120 configured to be coupled to and/or support a seat 3360.In some embodiments, the seat support structure 3120 can include anysuitable structure configured to support both a seating portion and aback rest portion of the seat 3360 and/or a portion of the body 3300 towhich the seat 3360 is coupled. In some embodiments, the seat 3360 canbe supported by and/or coupled to the seat support structure 3120 via anintervening structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the bodyincludes a seat support surface 3351 disposed between the seat supportstructure 3120 and the recumbent seat 3360. In some embodiments, theseat support surface 3351 can provide a mounting location for a set ofslide assemblies such that the seat 3360 can slide relative to the seatsupport surface 3351 along the longitudinal centerline C₅ of the frame3100.

The rear portion 3150 of the frame 3100 is coupled to the swing arm 3251and the fuel tank 3460. The swing arm 3251 can be rotatably coupled tothe rear portion 3150 of the frame 3100, as described above withreference to the swing arm 3251 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Moreover, theswing arm 3251 includes a wheel mounting portion 3253 defining a radialaxis R₃ that is coupled to a wheel assembly 3280. As described above,the wheel mounting portion 3253 is arranged relative to the frame 3100such that the radial axis R₃ defined by the wheel mounting portion 3253is substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline C₅ of theframe 3100, as shown in FIG. 5. Said another way, the longitudinalcenterline C₅ of the frame 3100 can be thought of as defining a plane ofsymmetry between a left side of the frame 3100 and a right side of theframe 3100 (as shown in FIG. 5) and the radial axis R₃ defined by thewheel mounting portion 3253 is substantially parallel with the plane ofsymmetry. In this manner, the swing arm 3251 and/or the wheel mountingportion 3253 are laterally centered at the rear portion of the frame3100.

The fuel tank 3460 can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration.For example, in some embodiments, the size and shape of the fuel tank3460 can correspond to the space constraints of the vehicle 3000. Thefuel tank 3460 is positioned relative to the body 3300 such that thefuel tank 3460 is disposed above a plane S₁ defined by the seat supportsurface 3351. Moreover, in some embodiments, the fuel tank 3460 can bedisposed behind a seat back surface (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of thebody 3300. Thus, in some embodiments, the fuel tank 3460 is configuredto be rearward of an interior portion of the body 3300. Although shownas being coupled to the rear portion 3150 of the frame 3100, in otherembodiments, the fuel tank 3460 can be coupled any other suitableportion of the frame 3100.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel tank 3460 is coupled to the frame 3100 suchthat the fuel tank 3460 is above a longitudinal centerline C₆ defined bythe swing arm 3251. Similarly stated, the fuel tank 3460 is disposedabove a line that can extend from the center of the wheel mountingportion 3253 to a center of a pivot point defined by the rotatablecoupling of the swing arm 3251 to the frame 3100. In other embodiments,however, the fuel tank 3460 can be disposed above the plane S₁ definedby the seat support surface 3351, yet have at least a portion below thelongitudinal centerline C₆ defined by the swing arm 3251.

Although the fuel tank 3460 is shown as being disposed within the frame3100 of the vehicle 3000, in some embodiments, all or a portion of thefuel tank 3460 can be disposed outside of the frame 3100 while beingcoupled thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the fuel tank 3460can be an integral part of or coupled to the body 3300 such that whenthe body 3300 is coupled to the frame 3100, at least a portion of thefuel tank 3460 is disposed outside of the frame 3100.

In some embodiments, a seat support surface of a body, such as the seatsupport surface 3351 can be a substantially planar surface. In thismanner, one or more recumbent seats can be disposed within an interiorportion of the vehicle and can be slidably coupled to the seat supportsurface via a sliding adjustment assembly or the like. By allowing foran adjustable recumbent seat, a foot pedal arrangement can be fixedlycoupled to a portion of the frame and/or body. Thus, the need foradjustable foot pedals in vehicles according to the embodimentsdescribed herein is obviated. Moreover, by allowing the foot pedals tobe fixed relative to the frame, in some embodiments, the foot pedals canbe hung from an upper support of the frame and allowed to extend into adesired location. In this manner, the foot pedal assembly can besubstantially similar to known arrangements in some four-wheeledautomobiles, thus, the need for custom parts and/or arrangements isreduced.

FIGS. 7-48 show a three-wheeled vehicle 4000, according to anembodiment. FIGS. 7-12 are general views of the vehicle 4000. Thevehicle 4000 includes a body 4300 (see e.g., FIGS. 13-20), a frame 4100(see e.g., FIGS. 21-29), multiple suspension systems 4200 (see e.g.,FIGS. 28-40 showing a rear suspension system and a front wheelsuspension system), and a drive train (see e.g., FIGS. 41-48). As shownin FIGS. 7-12, the vehicle 4300 is in a reverse-trike configuration,having two front wheels 4001 and a rear wheel 4005. The body 4300 of thevehicle 4000 is configured to be disposed about and/or coupled to atleast a portion of the frame 4100 (not shown in FIGS. 7-12, see e.g.,FIGS. 21 and 22 showing the frame 4100). As described in further detailherein, the body 4300 defines a cabin portion 4350 within which a pairof side-by-side recumbent seats 4360 is mounted. The cabin portion 4350is configured to substantially enclose and/or surround the recumbentseats 4360 such that a passenger(s) sitting on the recumbent seat(s)4360 is isolated from, for example, at least a portion of the suspensionsystem 4200 and/or at least a portion of the drive train 4400.

As shown in FIGS. 7-12, the vehicle 4000 is configured such that thedrive train 4400 is disposed substantially rearward of the cabin portion4350 of the body 4300. More specifically, an engine 4410 andtransmission 4420 (not shown in FIGS. 7-12) are disposed rearward of thecabin portion 4350 of the body 4300. Furthermore, the vehicle 4000 is arear wheel drive vehicle and includes a drive chain 4430 configured tooperably couple the drive train 4400 (e.g., via the transmission 4420)to the rear wheel 4005, as further described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, a portion of the suspension system 4200 isconfigured to be disposed within and/or covered by the body 4300 and asecond portion of the suspension 4200 is disposed substantially outsideof the body 4300. In this manner, the suspension system 4200 can becoupled to, for example, the front wheels 4001 and can be at leastoperably coupled to driving controls disposed within the cabin portion4350 such that an operator sitting therein (e.g., on the recumbent seat4360) can engage the driving controls to operate the vehicle 4000.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-20, the body 4300 of the vehicle 4000 includesa front portion 4310, two side portions 4320, a roof portion 4330, and arear portion 4340, and defines the cabin portion 4350. The body 4300 canbe any suitable shape, size, or configuration and can be formed from anysuitable material or combination of materials. For example, in someembodiments, the body 4300 can be formed from fiberglass. In otherembodiments, the body 4300 can be, for example, a plastic, a composite,or any other moldable material such as carbon fiber or the like. In someembodiments, the body 4300 can be formed substantially unitarily whereat least the front portion 4310, the side portions 4320, the roofportion 4330, and the rear portion 4340 are formed monolithically. Insuch embodiments, the cabin portion 4350 can be formed independently ofthe other portions and can be coupled thereto. In other embodiments, thebody 4300 can be formed in any suitable sections that can be coupledtogether to form the body 4300.

The front portion 4310 of the body 4300 is disposed at a forwardposition relative to the cabin portion 4350 (e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14).More specifically, the front portion 4310 includes a windshield 4313that is configured to form a forward boundary of the cabin portion 4350.The windshield 4313 can be formed of any suitable material. For example,in some embodiments, the windshield 4313 can be formed from poly(methylmethacrylate) (e.g., plexiglass) or the like. In other embodiments, thewindshield 4313 can be formed of a similar material as known windshields(e.g., as commonly found in four-wheeled automobiles). The front portion4310 of the body 4300 further includes a set of headlights 4311(identified in FIG. 13), and a set of fenders 4314. The fenders 4314 aredisposed above at least a portion of the front wheels 4001. The frontportion 4310 of the body 4300 also defines a set of suspension openings4312 (i.e., a first opening 4312 defined by a driver's side of the frontportion 4310 and a second opening 4312 defined by a passenger's side ofthe front portion 4310, as shown in FIG. 32) configured to receive aportion of the suspension system 4200, as further described herein.

The side portions 4320 of the body 4300 extend from the front portion4310 to the back portion 4340 of the body 4300 (e.g., FIGS. 15 and 16).In this manner, the side portions 4320 are configured to form the side(e.g., a driver's side and a passenger's side) boundaries of the cabinportion 4350. Moreover, the side portions 4320 each define an entranceopening 4323 that allow access to the cabin portion 4350. In someembodiments, the openings 4323 can each receive a door (not shown inFIGS. 7-48) such that the cabin portion 4350 can be substantiallyentirely enclosed. While not shown in FIGS. 7-48, the vehicle 4000 caninclude any suitable style of doors. For example in some embodiments,the doors can be similar in function to those commonly found onfour-wheeled automobiles where opening of the door includes pivoting thedoor about a substantially vertical axis. In other embodiment, thevehicle 4000 can include doors that pivot on or about a substantiallyhorizontal axis (e.g., “gull wing doors”). In other embodiments, thevehicle 4000 can include doors configured to move in more than onedirection such as, for example, “scissor doors.” In such embodiments,the door can be coupled to the side portion 4320 via a mounting assemblythat includes an adjustable hinge, one or more stiffening members and/ora gas strut. In some embodiments, the door can include a vent disposedat the bottom portion of the door.

The side portions 4320 each include and/or define an air duct 4324. Theair duct 4324 can include any suitable grate, cover, or plenum such thatthe air ducts 4324 define a flow path within which air can flow towardsa portion of the drive train 4400. For example, in some embodiments, theair ducts 4324 can be configured to direct air to the drive train 4400(not shown in FIGS. 13-20) to provide cooling for the engine 4410. Whilenot shown in FIGS. 13-20, in some embodiments the side portions 4320 caneach include a side-view mirror. In some embodiments, the side-viewmirrors can be integrally formed with each side portion 4320. In otherembodiments, the side-view mirrors can be bolt on mirrors that extendfrom the side portions 4320.

The roof portion 4330 of the body 4300 extends between the front portion4310 and the rear portion 4340 of the body 4300. In this manner, theroof portion 4330 forms an upper boundary of the cabin portion 4350. Insome embodiments, the roof portion 4330 is monolithically formed withone or more portions of the body 4300 (e.g., the side portions 4320and/or the rear portion 4340). In other embodiments, the roof portion4330 can be formed independently from other portions of the body 4300and can be coupled thereto. In some such embodiments, the roof portion4330 can be removable (e.g., similar to known “removable hard-top”configurations).

The rear portion 4340 of the body 4300 is disposed at a rearwardposition relative to the cabin portion 4350 (e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14).More specifically, the rear portion 4340 includes a window 4343 thatforms at least a portion of a rear boundary of the cabin portion 4350.As shown, the rear portion 4340 of the body 4300 includes a rear deck4342 that defines a fuel fill port 4341. In some embodiments, the reardeck 4342 is a removable deck lid configured to cover a portion of thedrive train 4400 when coupled to the rear portion 4340 of the body 4300.Thus, the rear deck 4340 can be removed to gain access to the portion ofthe drive train 4400. The fuel fill port 4341 is configured to bealigned with a fuel tank 4460 (see e.g., FIG. 26) such that the fueltank 4460 can receive a fuel fill apparatus (e.g., a fuel nozzle of afuel pump or the like).

The rear portion 4340 also includes at least one luggage compartment4345. In some embodiments, the one or more luggage compartments 4345 isformed unitarily with the rear portion 4340 and can be coupled to amovable and lockable door that encloses the luggage compartment 4345. Inother embodiments, the luggage compartment 4345 can be formed separatelyfrom and later coupled to the rear portion 4345. For example, in someembodiments, the luggage compartment 4345 can be modular such that theluggage compartment 4345 can be bolted or otherwise coupled to the rearportion 4345. In some embodiments, the vehicle 4000 can be configured toinclude a single luggage compartment 4345 disposed on either side of thevehicle 4000. In other embodiments, the vehicle 4000 can be configuredto include a luggage compartment 4345 on both sides of the vehicle 4000.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the luggage compartments 4345 can beremovable such that a driver can optionally attach or couple the luggagecompartments 4345 when extra storage is needed.

As described above, the cabin portion 4350 of the body 4300 is boundedby the front portion 4310, the side portions 4320, the roof portion4330, and the rear portion 4340. The cabin portion 4350 defines asubstantially enclosed portion of the body 4300 and, as such, can housethe interior components of the vehicle 4000. For example, as shown inFIGS. 16-20, the cabin portion 4350 includes a seat support surface 4351(also referred to herein as a “floorboard”), a seat back surface 4352, acenter console 4353, a front dash 4354, a steering wheel 4357 (see e.g.,FIG. 9), a set of grab handles 4358, the recumbent seats 4360, and afoot pedal assembly 4480 (see e.g., FIG. 24). The steering wheel 4357can be any suitable configuration and is operably coupled to a portionof the suspension system 4200, as further described herein. The grabhandles 4358 can be coupled to a portion of the frame 4100 (not shown inFIGS. 13-20) and are configured to assist a driver or a passenger inentering or exiting the cabin portion 4350.

The floorboard 4351 forms a bottom boundary of the cabin portion 4350(see e.g., FIGS. 14 and 17). Moreover, the floorboard 4351 is configuredto be coupled to and/or support a portion of the recumbent seats 4360.For example, the floorboard 4351 can include a mounting portion (notshown) configured to couple the recumbent seats 4360 thereto. Asdescribed above, the cabin portion 4350 is configured to substantiallyenclose a first recumbent seat 4360 (e.g., a driver's seat) and a secondrecumbent seat 4360 (e.g., a passenger's seat) in a side-by-sideconfiguration. Accordingly, the floorboard 4350 can be configured toinclude a first seat mounting portion and a second seat mountingportion.

As described in further detail herein, the placement of the fuel tank4460 rearward of the cabin portion 4350 increases the amount ofavailable space from the cabin portion 4350 that would otherwise beunavailable if the tank were mounted within the cabin portion 4350 ofthe body 4300. Moreover, with the fuel tank 4460 rearward of the cabinportion 4350, the floorboard 4351 (or substantial portions thereof) canbe substantially planar. The substantially planar surface (e.g., theseat support surface) formed by the floorboard 4351 is such that anadjustment structure can be disposed between the floorboard 4351 and therecumbent seats 4360. For example, a slide adjustment assembly (notshown) can be coupled to the floorboard 4351 and in turn, the recumbentseats 4360 can be movably coupled to the slide adjustment assembly.Thus, the recumbent seats 4360 can be adjusted in a linear directionalong a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 4000. Moreover, in someembodiments, the recumbent seats 4360 can be fully adjustable seats(e.g., similar to those commonly found in four-wheeled automobiles). Forexample, in some embodiments, the recumbent seats 4360 can include aforward and aft adjustment, a back adjustment, and/or height adjustment.In some embodiments, either of the recumbent seats 4360 can allow theseat portion (i.e., the tongue) and the seat back portion to becooperatively moved and/or moved together relative to the floorboard4351, as described above. This arrangement allows the recumbent seats4360 positioned in the cabin portion 4350 to be moveable as anintegrated unit (as opposed to a configuration in which a portion isfixedly coupled to the floor and only the seat back portion can beadjusted). In this manner, the vehicle 4000 can comfortably accommodateoccupants of different sizes. While shown and described as including tworecumbent seats 4360, in some embodiments, the vehicle 400 can includeany number of seats. Moreover, in some embodiments, the recumbent seats4360 can be arranged in along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle4000 such that one seat is in front of another seat.

In some embodiments, the adjustable configuration of the recumbent seats4360 can be such that the foot pedal assembly 4480 can be fixedlycoupled to the floorboard 4351 (or supporting structure of the frame4100 as described in further detail herein). Similarly stated, with therecumbent seats 4360 being adjustable relative to the floorboard 4351,the foot pedal assembly 4480 need not be adjustable. Thus, the potentialof the foot pedal assembly 4480 moving during operation (e.g., as isinherent in adjustable foot pedal assemblies) is reduced or eliminated.

The seat back surface 4352 of the cabin portion 4350 is configured tosupport and/or act as a stop for the back portions of the recumbentseats 4360. Moreover, the seat back surface 4352 is a wall thatseparates the cabin portion 4350 from, for example, portions of thedrive train 4400 that are disposed behind the cabin portion 4350. Forexample, in some embodiments, a driver or passenger may adjust arecumbent seat 4360 in a reclining motion. In such embodiments, the seatback surface 4352 can act as a stop or a wall to substantially limit thereclining motion to prevent damage to or injury from the components ofthe drive train 4400 disposed behind the cabin portion 4350.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the center console 4353 is configured toextend from the floorboard 4351. In some embodiments, the floorboard4351 and the center console 4353 are unitarily formed. In otherembodiments, the center console 4353 is coupled to the floorboard 4353.The center console 4353 can be configured to substantially encloseelectrical and/or mechanical components associated with various systemsof the vehicle 4000. For example, in some embodiments, the centerconsole 4353 can be configured to enclose a portion of a shift linkage4470 (see e.g., FIGS. 24 and 25) associated with the drive train 4400.In some embodiments, the center console 4353 can enclose a portion of anemergency brake system and/or any electrical components thereof. In someembodiments, the center console 4353 can include or define cup holders,storage compartments, electrical outlets, or the like.

The front dash 4354 is configured to extend across the width of thecabin portion 4350. The front dash 4354 can include any suitable device,compartment, vent, panel, etc. For example, in some embodiments, thefront dash 4354 includes a glove box 4356 disposed on the passenger'sside of the vehicle 4000. The front dash 4354 can further include acluster panel 4355 configured to house any suitable instrumentation,displays, gauges, indicators, buttons, dials, and/or the like. Forexample, in some embodiments, the cluster panel 4355 can include aspeedometer, a tachometer, a fuel gauge, a battery indicator, atemperature indicator, and/or the like. In this manner, the body 4300can provide amenities similar to those found in conventionalfour-wheeled vehicles in a reverse trike vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-29, the frame 4100 of the vehicle 4000includes a front portion 4110 and a rear portion 4120 separated, atleast partially, by a firewall 4102. The frame 4100 can be any suitableconfiguration and can be formed from any suitable material. For example,as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the frame 4100 can be formed from fixedlycoupled (e.g., welded) tubing. The tubing can be formed from anysuitable metallic material such as, for example, aluminum, aluminumalloy, steel, steel alloy, or any combination thereof.

The front portion 4110 of the frame 4100 includes a seat supportstructure 4120 and a front suspension structure 4130. The frontsuspension structure 4130 of the frame 4100 is configured to support atleast a portion of the front suspension 4210 (see e.g., FIGS. 30-40).The front suspension structure 4130 can be arranged in any suitableconfiguration. Furthermore, the front suspension structure 4130 caninclude any suitable bracket and/or mounting hardware that can becoupled to a portion of the front suspension 4210, as described infurther detail herein.

The seat support structure 4120 can be configured to support at least aportion of the recumbent seat 4360. More specifically, the seat supportstructure 4120 can be, for example, a portion of the frame 4100 thatincludes sufficient structure to support a passenger. For example, insome embodiments, the seat support structure 4120 can include flat bar(e.g., aluminum flat bar, steel flat bar, etc.) that is fixedly coupled(e.g., welded, adhered, or otherwise fixedly attached) to the tubingthat forms a portion of the frame 4100. In this manner, the seat supportstructure 4120 can provide sufficient structure to fixedly couple (atleast temporarily) a portion of the recumbent seat 4360 thereto (e.g.,via the body 4300). Expanding further, the seat support structure 4120of the frame 4100 can be disposed below the floorboard 4351 of the cabinportion 4350 of the body 4300 and can be substantially aligned with themounting portion (described above) of the floorboard 4351. Thus, whenthe recumbent seat 4360 is coupled to the mounting portion of thefloorboard 4351, the recumbent seat 4360 can also be coupled to the seatsupport structure 4120. Moreover, with the recumbent seat 4360 beingcoupled to an adjustment structure (e.g., a sliding adjustment assemblyas described above), the recumbent seat 4360 can be moved along alongitudinal centerline of the vehicle 4000 while the adjustmentstructure (not shown) can remain fixedly coupled to the seat supportstructure 4120.

The rear portion 4150 of the frame 4100 includes an engine mountstructure 4160, a rear suspension support structure 4170, and a fueltank support structure 4180. The engine mount structure 4160 can includeany suitable mounting hardware 4161 configured to couple the engine (notshown in FIGS. 21-29) to engine mount structure 4160. For example, themounting hardware 4161 can include brackets, reinforcement, bushings,bolts, etc. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the engine mount structure 4160is disposed at a rearward position relative to the seat supportstructure 4120 included in the front portion 4110 of the frame 4100.Expanding further, the firewall 4102 is configured to span across thewidth of the frame 4100 to separate the engine mount structure 4160 fromthe seat support structure 4120. Thus, when the body 4300 is coupled tothe frame 4100, the firewall 4102 isolates the portion of the body 4300defining the seat back surface 4352 from components of the drive train4400. Similarly stated, the firewall 4102 can define at least a portionof a drive train compartment that is isolated from the cabin portion4350 of the body 4300.

As shown in FIGS. 23-29 the fuel tank support structure 4180 is coupledto and/or configured to support at least a portion of the fuel tank4460. The fuel tank support structure 4180 can include any suitablemounting structure such that fuel tank 4460 can be coupled thereto. Thefuel tank 4460 can be any suitable configuration. For example, as shownin FIG. 27, the fuel tank 4460 includes a first portion 4461 configuredto be disposed on or coupled to the fuel tank support structure 4180 anda second portion 4462 that can extend below the fuel tank supportstructure 4180. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the secondportion 4462 can be such that fuel can be gravity fed through a fuelsupply line (not shown) to the engine. In other embodiments, the fueltank 4460 can include a pump (not shown) configured to feed fuel througha fuel supply line to the engine.

The rear portion 4150 of the frame 4100 can be arranged such that thefuel tank support structure 4180 is disposed both behind and above theengine support structure 4160. Thus, when the fuel tank 4460 is coupledthereto, at least a portion of the fuel tank 4460 is disposed behind andabove the engine support structure 4160, as further described herein.Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 23-26, the position of the fuel tanksupport structure 4180 relative to the body 4300 can be such that whenthe fuel tank 4460 is coupled to the fuel tank support structure 4180, afuel fill port 4463 of the fuel tank 4460 is aligned with the fuel fillport 4341 defined by the rear portion 4340 of the body 4300 (asdescribed above).

The rear suspension support structure 4170 is configured to be coupledto at least a portion of the rear suspension 4250 (see e.g., FIGS. 28and 29). As shown, the rear suspension support structure 4170 can bedisposed below the fuel tank support structure 4180. Thus, when the fueltank 4460 is coupled to the fuel tank support structure 4180, at least aportion of the fuel tank 4460 can be disposed above at least a portionof the rear suspension 4250 coupled to the rear suspension supportstructure 4170, as described in further detail herein. The rearsuspension support structure 4170 can include any suitable structure tocouple the rear suspension 4250 thereto. More specifically, portions ofthe rear suspension 4250 can be rotatably coupled to the rear suspensionsupport structure 4170, thereby allowing the rear suspension 4250 topivot or otherwise move, relative to the frame 4100.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the rear suspension 4250 includes a swingarm 4251, a linkage system 4254, and a shock absorber 4260 (e.g., astrut, a coilover, or any other spring and damper combination. The shockabsorber 4260 can be statically coupled the rear suspension supportstructure 4170 (e.g., the components do not move relative to one anotherat the point of coupling). Conversely, the swing arm 4251 and thelinkage system 4254 can be coupled to the rear suspension supportstructure 4170 for pivoting motion. For example, in some embodiments,the rear suspension support structure 4170 can include bushings,bearings, or joints that define an axis of rotation about which theswing arm 4251 and the linkage system 4254 can pivot when coupledthereto. The shock absorber 4260 and the linkage system 4254 can becollectively configured to dampen and/or control the movement of theswing arm 4251 relative to the frame 4100.

The swing arm 4251 includes a wheel mounting portion 4253 at an endportion opposite a portion coupled to the rear suspension supportstructure 4107. The wheel mounting portion 4253 is coupled to the rearwheel 4005 such that the rear wheel 4005 can rotate relative to theswing arm 4251. More specifically, the wheel mounting portion 4253 formsa bifurcated portion of the swing arm 4251 that can extend on twoopposite sides of the rear wheel 4005. In this manner, the wheelmounting portion 4253 can define and/or include an axle 4257 (see e.g.,FIG. 29) about which the rear wheel 4005 can rotate.

As shown in FIG. 28, the swing arm 4251 is configured to define alongitudinal centerline C₇ between the wheel mounting portion 4253 andthe portion coupled to the rear suspension support structure 4107, andthe wheel mounting portion 4253 is configured to define a radial axisR₄. In this manner, the arrangement of the rear portion 4150 of theframe is such that the fuel tank mounting portion 4180 is disposed abovethe longitudinal centerline C₇ defined by the swing arm 4251. Thus, whenthe fuel tank 4460 is coupled to the fuel tank support structure 4180,at least a portion of the fuel tank 4460 is disposed above thelongitudinal centerline C₇. Furthermore, when the radial axis R₄ issubstantially perpendicular with a surface S₂ upon which the rear wheel4005 is disposed, the radial axis R₄ can intersect a portion of the fueltank 4460 (e.g., when fuel tank 4460 is coupled to the fuel tank supportstructure 4180). As described above, the arrangement of fuel tank 4460relative to the engine mount structure 4160 of the frame and the cabinportion 4350 of the body 4300 is such that the interior volume definedby the cabin portion 4350 is unaffected by the fuel tank 4460.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-40, the front suspension system 4210 includesa tie rod 4201, a spindle 4211, a spindle bracket 4212, an upper controlarm 4220, a lower control arm 4230, a telelever plate 4240, a push rod4245, and a sway bar 4270. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the frontsuspension system 4210 is configured to extend beyond a portion of thebody 4300 to be coupled to the front wheels 4001. More specifically, atleast a portion of the shock absorber 4244, the tie rod 4201, the uppercontrol arm 4220, the lower control arm 4230, and the telelever plate4240 are disposed within the body 4300 of the vehicle 4000. In thismanner, some of the portions of the front suspension 4210 disposedwithin the body 4300 can be coupled to a driving control system (e.g., asteering wheel or the like) to control or steer the front wheels 4001.While FIGS. 30-40 illustrate a single side of the front suspensionsystem 4200, it should be understood that a similar configuration in anopposite configuration can be used on the opposite side of the vehicle4000. Thus, the discussion of the components and arrangements thereofare applicable to the portion of the front suspension system 4200 notshown in FIGS. 30-40.

As shown in FIG. 30, the spindle 4211 can be coupled to the front wheel4001 at a first end and is coupled configured to be coupled to thespindle bracket 4212 at a second end (see e.g., FIG. 32), opposite thefirst end. More specifically, a portion of the spindle 4211 can berigidly coupled (e.g., not movable) to the spindle support bracket 4212.The spindle 4211 can include a first portion and a second portion (notshown) configured to be moved relative to each other. For example, insome embodiments, the first portion of the spindle 4211 can be rigidlycoupled to the spindle bracket 4212 and the second portion of thespindle 4211 can rotate relative to the first portion. Thus, the frontwheel 4001, when coupled to the spindle 4211, can rotate.

As described, the spindle support bracket 4212 is coupled to the spindle4211 and can be rotatably coupled to the upper control arm 4220, thelower control arm 4230, and the tie rod 4201. For example, in someembodiments, the spindle bracket 4212 is coupled to the spindle 4211 ona first side and is rotatably coupled to the upper control arm 4220 andthe lower control arm 4230. Expanding further, the spindle 4211 isconfigured to be rotated about an axis (not shown) that is substantiallyparallel to a surface on which the wheel 4001 contacts and the spindlebracket 4212 is configured to be rotated about an axis substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spindle 4211. The tie rod4201 is configured to be coupled to a top surface of the spindle bracket4212. The tie rod 4201 can further be at least operably coupled to thesteering column and/or steering wheel of the vehicle. Thus, the tie rod4201 can be configured to push and/or pull the spindle bracket 4212 suchthat the spindle bracket 4212 pivots about the axis (i.e., defined bythe rotational coupling of the spindle bracket 4212 to the upper controlarm 4220 and the lower control arm 4230).

The upper control arm 4220 includes a mounting portion 4221 that iscoupled to the telelever plate 4240. The mounting portion 4221 isfurther configured to rotatably couple both the upper control arm 4220and the telelever plate to the front suspension support structure 4130of the frame 4100. More specifically, the upper control arm 4220 can berotated about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of thevehicle 4000. Similarly stated, the upper control arm 4220 can berotated about the axis that is perpendicular to both the rotational axisof the spindle 4211 and the rotational axis of the spindle bracket 4212.

The lower control arm 4230 includes a mounting portion 4231 thatrotatably couples the lower control arm 4230 to the front suspensionsupport structure 4130 of the frame 4100. More specifically, the lowercontrol arm 4230 can be rotate about an axis that is parallel to therotational axis of the upper control arm 4220. In this manner, both theupper control arm 4220 and the lower control arm 4230 can pivot abouttheir respective axes to absorb a portion of a shock commonlyexperienced during operation of the vehicle 4000. Moreover, the sway bar4270 can be coupled to the lower control arm 4230 to increase thetorsional stiffness of the front suspension 4210.

The length of the upper control arm 4220, the length of the lowercontrol arm 4230, and/or the location at which the spindle bracket 4212is mounted to the upper control arm 4220 and/or the lower control arm4230 can be adjusted to vary the camber and/or caster of the frontsuspension system 4210. Similarly stated, the camber and/or caster ofthe front wheel 4001 can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing thelength of both the upper control arm 4220 and the lower control arm 4230and/or by adjusting the mounting position of the spindle bracket 4212relative to both the upper control arm 4220 and the lower control arm4230.

The lower control arm 4230 is coupled to and/or includes the push rodbracket 4232. The pushrod bracket 4232 is rotatably coupled to a firstend of the pushrod 4245 such that the pivot about an axis that isparallel to the rotational axis of the upper control arm 4220 and therotational axis of the lower control arm 4230. A second end of the pushrod 4245 is rotatably coupled to the telelever plate 4240. Morespecifically, the telelever plate 4240 includes a pushrod mountingportion 4243, a shock absorber mounting portion 4241, and a framemounting portion 4242. The pushrod mounting portion 4243 is rotatablycoupled to the pushrod 4245 such that the pushrod 4245 can pivot aboutan axis (e.g., parallel to the axis of rotation at the first end of thepushrod 4245). The frame mounting portion 4242 is coupled to the uppercontrol arm 4220 and rotatably coupled to the front suspension supportstructure 4230, as described above. The shock absorber mounting portion4241 is coupled to the shock absorber 4244 (e.g., a strut, a coilover,or any other spring and damper configuration). In this manner, thepushrod 4245 can transfer a portion of a force (e.g., due to pivotingmotion of the lower control arm 4230) from the lower control arm 4230 tothe telelever plate 4240 which, in turn, transfers a portion of theforce to the shock absorber 4244. The shock absorber 4244 is furtherconfigured to be rigidly coupled to a portion of the front suspensionstructure 4130 of the frame 4100. Thus, the shock absorber 4244 canabsorb and/or dampen a portion of the force exerted by the rotationalmotion of the lower control arm 4230.

As shown in FIGS. 34-40, by positioning the pushrod bracket 4232adjacent to (or at least close to) the spindle bracket 4212 and throughthe use of the telelever plate 4240 allows the shock absorber 4244 to bepositioned toward the center of the vehicle 4000, away from the spindle4211. In some embodiments, for example, the shock absorber 4244 can bedisposed inside the cabin portion 4350 of the body 4300 (see e.g., FIG.31). By positioning the shock absorber 4244 at an inboard position, thelocation of the push rod bracket 4232, and pivot point for the teleleverplate 4240 can be adjusted (e.g., moved towards the inboard position) toreduce the effective unsprung weight of the wheel/suspension system. Inother embodiments, however, the shock absorber 4244 can be positionedoutside of the cabin portion 4350 of the body 4300.

While the upper control arm 4220 and the telelever plate 4240 are showin FIGS. 34-40 as being rotatably coupled to the frame 4100 atsubstantially the same point, in other embodiments, the telelever plate4240 and the upper control arm 4220 may be rotatably coupled to theframe 4100 at different locations. The geometry of the telelever plate4240, the length of the push rod 4245, the location at which the pushrod bracket 4232 is mounted to the lower control arm 4230, and/or thelocation at which the shock absorber 4244 is coupled to the frame 4100can all be adjusted to vary the characteristic of the front suspension4210.

Referring now to FIGS. 41-48, the drive train assembly 4400 includes anengine 4410, a transmission assembly 4420, a reverse gear assembly 4440,and a drive chain 4430. The engine 4410 (see e.g., FIGS. 41-42) can beany suitable engine coupled to or supported by at least a portion of theengine support structure 4160 of the frame 4100. For example, in someembodiments, the engine can be a Suzuki Hayabusa engine. The engine 4410is coupled to a transmission 4422 (see e.g., FIGS. 47 and 48) such thatrotational motion of a drive shaft of the engine 4410 rotates an outputdrive shaft 4423 of the transmission 4422 in a first direction (e.g.,associated with a forward motion of the vehicle 4000). The transmissionassembly 4420 and the reverse gear assembly 4440 can be coupled to orsupported by a transmission cradle 4421. The transmission cradle 4421can, in turn, be coupled to a portion of the engine mount structure 4160of the frame.

A forward gear shift rod 4427 is configured to engage the transmission4422 (see e.g., FIG. 43) to change gears disposed within thetransmission 4422 (e.g., the transmission 4422 is a manual shifttransmission). A shift rod sensor 4520 can coupled to the forward gearshift rod 4427. The shift rod sensor 4520 can be configured to determinewhich forward gear is engaged and/or whether the transmission 4422 is inneutral, and to send an electronic signal to, for example, an electroniccontrol device, as described in further detail herein. The reverse gearassembly 4440 is also coupled to the transmission 4420 and is configuredto rotate the output drive shaft 4423 of the transmission 4422 in asecond direction (e.g., associated with a rearward motion of the vehicle4000), as described in further detail herein.

The reverse gear assembly 4440 can be used in connection with and/orcontrolled by a mode selector and/or any other suitable electronics, asdescribed in further detail herein. As shown in FIGS. 43-48, the reversegear assembly 4440 includes an electric motor 4442 operably coupled tothe transmission 4422 via a reverse drive chain 4446. The electric motor4442 (also referred to herein as “motor”) can be any suitable motor,such as, for example, an automotive starter motor. The motor 4442 can becontrolled by any suitable electrical system, as further describedherein.

The electric motor 4442 includes an output pinion 4443 that is disposed,at least partially, within a shroud 4447. The shroud 4447 further housesa reduction gear 4444 that is in contact with the output pinion 4443.Similarly stated, the output pinion 4443 is configured to mesh with thereduction gear 4444. The reduction gear 4444 is coupled to a motor gear4445 along a common axis. The motor gear 4445 is configured to drive thereverse drive chain 4446, as described in further detail herein. In someembodiments, the reduction gear 4444 and the motor gear 4445 can bemonolithically formed. For example, in some embodiments, the reductiongear 4444 and the motor gear 4445 can be formed from a single work piece(e.g., a billet or the like). In other embodiments, the reduction gear4444 and the motor gear 4445 can be formed independently and coupledtogether. In such embodiments, forming the motor gear 4445 independentlyfrom the reduction gear 4444 can allow for varying gear ratios byreplacing the motor gear 4445 with a gear of larger or smaller diameterhaving more or fewer teeth, respectively. Thus, the torque and/orangular velocity of the motor gear 4445 can be varied.

As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the reverse drive chain 4446 is coupled toa reverse drive gear 4425 disposed about the output drive shaft 4423 ofthe transmission 4422 (not shown) to operably couple the electric motor4442 to the transmission 4422. In other embodiments, the reverse gearassembly 4440 can include any number of intermediate gears of any typein any geometry. For example, a meshing gear assembly can be substitutedfor the reverse chain 4446, or the reduction gear 4444 can be replacedwith an annular gear which meshes with the reverse pinion 4443 and agear positioned on the output drive shaft 4423. As described above, thediameter and/or the number of teeth of the reverse drive gear 4425 canbe varied such that a desirable gear ratio is defined between the motorgear 4445 and the reverse drive gear 4425.

The reverse drive gear 4425 is coupled to the output drive shaft 4423 bymeans of an overrunning clutch (not shown) that only engages the reversedrive shaft sprocket 4425 to the output drive shaft 4423 when thereverse drive gear 4425 is under power. Conversely, when the reversedrive gear 4425 is unpowered, the reverse drive gear 4425 can freelyspin on or around the output drive shaft 4423. In other embodiments, theelectric motor 4442 can be operably decoupled from the output driveshaft 4423 by means of an overrunning clutch, clutch plate assembly, orother means positioned at any point in the reverse gear assembly 4440.

The output drive shaft 4423 is supported by a flange bearing 4426,which, in turn, can be coupled to a supporting member (e.g., the frame4100 or other support structure). In other embodiments, the output driveshaft 4423 need not be supported (e.g., a cantilever configuration). Theoutput drive shaft 4423 is further coupled to a drive sprocket 4424 anda drive shaft encoder 4510. The drive sprocket 4424 is configured to becoupled to the drive chain 4430 (FIGS. 47 and 48) to operably couple thetransmission 4422 to the rear wheel 4005. For example, the rear wheel4005 includes a wheel sprocket 4007 coupled to an axle of the rear wheel4005 such that the drive chain 4430 can rotate the rear wheel. The driveshaft encoder 4510 is configured to produce a signal indicating rotationspeed and direction of the output drive shaft 4423. The drive shaftencoder 4510 can be, for example, a magnetic encoder, an opticalencoder, and/or of any other type or combination thereof. The electricalsignal produced by the drive shaft encoder 4510 can be detected by anencoder sensor 4511 operably coupled thereto. The encoder sensor 4511 isconfigured to send an electronic signal to the mode selector (notshown).

In use, the drive shaft encoder 4510 and the shift rod sensor 4520 cancollectively send information to, for example, the mode selector toprevent the reverse gear assembly 4440 from being engaged when theoutput drive shaft 4423 is rotating in the first direction (associatedwith forward motion of the vehicle 4000). Similarly, the drive shaftencoder 4510 and the shift rod sensor 4520 can collective sendinformation to the mode selector to prevent the transmission 4422 frombeing engaged when the output drive shaft 4423 is rotating in the seconddirection (associated with rearward motion of the vehicle 4000).

As described above, the vehicle 4000 can include any suitable electronicsystem configured to control the operation of the reverse gear assembly4440. For example, FIG. 49 is a schematic block diagram of an electricalsystem 5500 configured to control at least a portion of a drive train5400, according to an embodiment. The drive train 5400 includes anengine 5410 and a transmission configured to turn a drive shaft 5423 ina first direction, and an electric motor 5442 and a reverse gearassembly 5448 configured to turn the drive shaft 5423 in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, thetransmission 5422 can be a sequential motorcycle transmission (e.g., aSuzuki Hayabusa transmission). As described above with reference toFIGS. 41-48, the transmission 5422 is operatively coupled to, and isconfigured to receive power from, the engine 5410.

The electrical system 5500 includes a throttle control 5530 (e.g., athrottle pedal of the foot pedal assembly 4480), a reverse toggle 5540,a drive sensor 5510, a shift sensor 5420, and a mode selector 5550. Themode selector 5550 can be any suitable vehicle control unit (“VCU”). Forexample, in some embodiments, the mode selector 5550 contains logicconfigured to determine the appropriate engagement of the drive train5400, as described below. As shown, the mode selector 5550 receivessignals from the drive sensor 5510, the shift sensor 5520, the reversetoggle 5540, and the throttle control 201. In some embodiments, the modeselector 5550 or vehicle control unit (“VCU”) can also receive inputfrom other sensors (not shown, but which can include, for example, anengine speed sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an intake manifoldtemperature sensor, etc.). In this manner, the VCU 5550 can determinethe desired engine, transmission, and/or vehicle operating conditionsand convey signals to various actuators to control the engine,transmission and/or vehicle accordingly.

The VCU can be, for example, a commercially-available processing deviceconfigured to perform one or more specific tasks related to controllingthe vehicle. For example, the VCU can include a microprocessor and amemory device. The microprocessor can be, for example, a general purposeprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a front end processor, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a combination ofASICs, designed to perform one or more specific functions and/or toexecute a set of instructions stored in the memory. In otherembodiments, the microprocessor can be an analog or digital circuit, ora combination of multiple circuits. The memory device can include, forexample, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), anelectronically programmable read only memory (EPROM), erasableelectronically programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and/or flashmemory. In some embodiments, the memory includes a set of instructionsto cause the processor to execute modules, processes and/or functionsused to control various portions of the vehicle.

In use, to engage a reverse mode of the drive train 5400, a user canchange the state of the reverse toggle 5540 from, for example, a firstposition associated with a forward motion of the vehicle to a secondposition associated with a reverse motion of the vehicle (or viceversa). In some embodiments, the reverse toggle 5540 can be separatefrom a forward gear selector (e.g., included in the shift linkage 4470shown with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25). In other embodiments, thereverse toggle 5540 can be integrated into the forward gear selector. Inresponse to being manipulated, the reverse toggle 5540 can send anelectronic signal to the mode selector 5550. The mode selector 5550 canalso receive signals from the drive sensor 5510, the shift sensor 5520,and/or the throttle sensor 5530 to determine the state of the drivetrain 5400. In this manner, the mode selector 5550 can be configured toaccept the reverse toggle 5540 signal or to reject the reverse toggle5540 signal.

For example, if the drive sensor 5510 indicates the drive shaft 5423 isrotating in a forward direction, if the shift sensor 5520 indicates aforward gear is engaged, and/or if the throttle control 5530 is notclosed (e.g., in its minimum position), the mode selector 5550 can beconfigured to ignore the signal sent from the reverse toggle 5540. Insome embodiments, the mode selector 5550 can sound an alarm if the modeselector 5550 determines that it is not desirable to change modes. Forexample, in some embodiments, the mode selector 5550 can send a signalto the electric motor 5442 and/or the engine 5410 to shut down, and/orcan provide the user with some other feedback to indicate the modecannot be changed. In some embodiments, the mode selector 5550 canmonitor other inputs to determine whether a mode change is appropriate.Such inputs can include, for example, vehicle speed, and/or engine 5410status.

Conversely, if the drive sensor 5510 indicates the drive shaft is notrotating, if the shift sensor 5520 indicates the transmission 5422 is inneutral, and/or if the throttle control 5530 is closed, the modeselector 5550 can accept the signal sent from the reverse toggle 5540.If the reverse toggle 5540 sends a signal associated with a forwardmotion of the vehicle, the mode selector 5550 can route (e.g., send asignal) a throttle input to the engine 5410, which supplies powerthrough the transmission 5422 and to the drive shaft 5423 to drive thevehicle in the forward direction. If the reverse toggle 5540 sends asignal associated with a reverse motion of the vehicle, the modeselector 210 can route the throttle input to the electric motor 5442. Insome embodiments, the mode selector 5550 (e.g., the memory) can includeinstructions to cause the processor to convert throttle input into acurrent/voltage input for the electric motor 5442. In some embodiments,the mode selector 5550 can vary the electric input to the electric motor5442 based on the throttle position. For example, if the throttle is ina closed position (i.e., at its minimum position) the mode selector 5550can deliver a minimum electric power to the electric motor 5442, causingthe electric motor to rotate at a minimum speed. As the throttle isopened, the mode selector 5442 can increase the electric power suppliedto the electric motor 5442, thereby increasing the rotational speed ofthe electric motor 5442. Thus, the electric motor 5442 can rotate thereverse gear assembly 5448, which, in turn, rotates the drive shaft5423, thereby driving the vehicle in a reverse direction. In someembodiments, the electric motor 5442 can be connected directly to thedrive shaft 5423 (e.g., bypassing the reverse gear assembly 5448).

As shown, the engine 5410 and transmission 5422, which provide forwardpower, and the electric motor 5442 and reverse gear assembly 5448, whichprovide reverse power, are connected to the same drive shaft 5423.Because the drive shaft 5423 cannot be driven simultaneously in both theforward and reverse directions, it is necessary that only one powertrain (engine 5410 and transmission 5422 or electric motor 5442 andreverse gear assembly 5448) be operably coupled to the drive shaft 5423at a time. In some embodiments, the reverse gear assembly 5448 can beconnected to the drive shaft 5423 by means of an overrunning clutch. Theoverrunning clutch can freely rotate on or about the drive shaft 5423unless the reverse gear assembly 5448 is supplying power. In suchembodiments, the mode selector 5550 may limit and/or prevent power frombeing supplied to the electric motor 5442 when the drive sensor 5510indicates that the drive shaft 5423 is rotating in the forwarddirection, thus ensuring that the reverse drive train is operablydecoupled from the drive shaft 5423 when the vehicle is traveling in theforward direction.

In some embodiments, the mode selector 5550 may route throttle controlto the engine 5410 at all times. In the reverse state, the mode selector5550 can be configured to operably decouple the engine 5410 from thedrive shaft 5423, before entering the reverse state. For example, insome embodiments, the transmission 5422 need be in a neutral state. Inother embodiments, the mode selector 5550 can be configured to decouplethe engine 5410 from the transmission 5422 (and/or the transmission 5422from the drive shaft 5423). For example, in some embodiments, the modeselector 5550 can send a signal associated with changing the state of anelectro-mechanical clutch or bearing, energizing a solenoid (e.g.,similar to a Bendix® drive system or the like), and/or a fluid coupling(similar to, for example, a torque converter). In such embodiments, whenthe electrical system 550 is in the reverse mode, the engine speed willincrease when the throttle control 5530 is actuated, thereby providingthe user with the audible sensation that the engine 5410 is providingthe power to drive the vehicle in reverse, even though the electricmotor 5442 is providing the power.

Referring now to FIGS. 50-55, a vehicle 6000 in a reverse-trikeconfiguration is shown, according to an embodiment. The vehicle 6000 canbe substantially similar to the vehicle 4000 described with reference toFIGS. 7-48. More specifically, the vehicle 6000 is the same as thevehicle 4000 with a different body configuration. Therefore, similarportions of the vehicle 6000 are not described herein. The vehicle 6000includes, a frame (not shown), a suspension system 6200, a body 6300,and a drive train 6400. The suspension system 6200 includes a frontportion 6210 and a rear portion 6250. The body 6300 includes a frontportion 6310, two side portions 6320, and a rear portion 6340, anddefines a cabin portion 6350. The drive train 6400 includes at least anengine and a transmission (not shown) operably coupled to a rear wheel6005 via a drive chain 6430. While not shown, the vehicle 6000 can alsoinclude an electronic system, a reverse gear system, and/or any othersuitable system described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 50-55, the vehicle 6000 is configured such that thedrive train 6400 is disposed substantially rearward of the cabin portion6350 of the body 6300. More specifically, the engine and thetransmission (not shown) are disposed rearward of the cabin portion 6350of the body 6300. As shown in FIGS. 51 and 53, a portion of the frontsuspension 6210 is configured to be disposed within and/or covered bythe body 6300 and a second portion of the front suspension 6210 isdisposed substantially outside of the body 6300. In this manner, thefront suspension 6210 can be coupled to, for example, the front wheels6001 and can be at least operably coupled to driving controls disposedwithin the cabin portion 6350 such that an operator sitting therein(e.g., on the recumbent seat 6360) can engage the driving controls tooperate the vehicle 6000.

The body 6300 can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration and canbe formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, asdescribed above. The front portion 6310 of the body 6300 is disposed ata forward position relative to the cabin portion 6350 and includes awindshield 6313 that is configured to form a forward boundary of thecabin portion 6350 (described in detail above). The front portion 6310of the body 6300 also defines a set of suspension openings (i.e., afirst opening defined by a driver's side of the front portion 6310 and asecond opening defined by a passenger's side of the front portion 6310)configured to receive a portion of the front suspension 6210, asdescribed above.

The side portions 6320 of the body 6300 extend from the front portion6310 to the back portion 6340 of the body 6300. In this manner, the sideportions 6320 are configured to form the side (e.g., a driver's side anda passenger's side) boundaries of the cabin portion 6350. Moreover, theside portions 6320 each define an entrance 6323 that allows access tothe cabin portion 6350. In some embodiments, the openings 6323 can eachreceive a door (not shown). In such embodiments, the door can be coupledto the side portion 6320 via a mounting assembly that includes anadjustable hinge, one or more stiffening members and/or a gas strut.

The rear portion 6340 of the body 6300 is disposed at a rearwardposition relative to the cabin portion 6350. As shown in FIG. 58, therear portion 6340 of the body 6300 includes a rear deck 6342 thatdefines a fuel fill port 6341. In some embodiments, the rear deck 6342is a removable deck lid configured to cover a portion of the drive train6400 when coupled to the rear portion 6340 of the body 6300. Thus, therear deck 6340 can be removed to gain access to the portion of the drivetrain 6400. The fuel fill port 6341 is configured to be aligned with afuel tank 6460 (not shown in FIGS. 50-58) such that the fuel tank canreceive a fuel fill apparatus (e.g., a fuel nozzle of a fuel pump or thelike). While not shown, the fuel fill can be similar in form, function,and placement, relative to the frame, as the vehicle 4000. The rearportion 6340 can also optionally include at least one luggagecompartment 6345, as described above.

As described above, the cabin portion 6350 of the body 6300 is boundedby the front portion 6310, the side portions 6320, and the rear portion6340. The cabin portion 6350 defines an interior portion of the body6300 and, as such, can house the interior components of the vehicle6000. While not shown in FIGS. 50-58, the cabin portion 6350 can includeat least a seat support surface and a seat back surface configured tosupport a pair of recumbent seats 6360. The seat support surface (notshown) can be similar to the floorboard 4351 described above. Thus, theseat support surface of the vehicle 6000 can be a substantially flatsurface that allows the recumbent seats 6360 to be adjustable (e.g.,along a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 6000). As described abovewith reference to FIGS. 7-48, the placement of the fuel tank rearward ofthe cabin portion 6350 increases the amount of available space from thecabin portion 6350 that would otherwise be unavailable. Thus, therecumbent seats 6360 can be fully adjustable seats.

The cabin portion 6350 of the vehicle 6000 differs from the cabinportion 4350 of the vehicle 4000 by the exclusion of a roof portion thatwould otherwise extend between the front portion 6310 and the rearportion 6340 of the body 6300. In this manner, the cabin portion 6350can be in a substantially open configuration. Moreover, the variation ofthe body 6300 does not substantially relocate the fuel tank (not shown).Thus, the fuel tank of the vehicle 6000 is behind the cabin portion 6350of the body 6300 and positioned such that at least a portion of the fueltank is above the rear suspension and/or the drive train 6400.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Where methods and/or schematics described above indicatecertain events and/or flow patterns occurring in certain order, theordering of certain events and/or flow patterns may be modified. Whilethe embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will beunderstood that various changes in form and details may be made.

For example, although the embodiments are shown and described herein asbeing included within a three-wheeled vehicle, any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, such as, for example, the reverse gear assembly 4440can be included in any suitable vehicle. For example, in someembodiments, a reverse gear assembly similar to the reverse gearassembly 4440 can be included in a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeledvehicle, where applicable.

Although various embodiments have been described as having particularfeatures and/or combinations of components, other embodiments arepossible having a combination of any features and/or components from anyof embodiments as discussed above. For example, wheels can besubstituted for sprockets, gears can be substituted for pulleys, andbelts can be substituted for chains. Furthermore, any of theembodiments, described herein can include an electrical system similarto the electric system 5500.

The embodiments described herein can be assembled at a manufacturingplant and delivered to an end user as a complete vehicle and/or theembodiments described herein can be delivered and assembled elsewhere.

While specific systems and subsystems are described, any of theembodiments herein can include and suitable system and/or subsystem thatmay be needed for the operation of the vehicle. For example, theembodiment described herein can include any suitable braking systemand/or components thereof. Thus, any of the embodiments described hereincan include, for example, a brake pedal, master cylinder, brake lines,calipers, pads, drums, shoes, reservoirs, etc. needed for the operationof the braking system. Similarly, any of the embodiments describedherein can include controls and any suitable electronics coupled theretofor the operation of the systems and/or subsystems. For example, theembodiments described herein can include controls and/or electronicsoperative in the functioning of headlights, taillights, turn signals,windshield wipers, radios, etc.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage productwith a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred toas a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions orcomputer code thereon for performing various computer-implementedoperations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium)is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitorypropagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wavecarrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable).The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may bethose designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes.Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are notlimited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, andmagnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital VideoDiscs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), andholographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as opticaldisks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices thatare specially configured to store and execute program code, such asApplication-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable LogicDevices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM)devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer programproduct, which can include, for example, the instructions and/orcomputer code discussed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a vehicle framedefining a longitudinal centerline, a front portion of the vehicle frameconfigured to support a recumbent seat; a swing arm coupled to a rearportion of the vehicle frame, the swing arm including a wheel mountingportion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly such that a rearwheel axis defined by the wheel mounting portion is substantiallycoaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in atleast one plane; and a fuel tank coupled to the rear portion of thevehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above a longitudinal axisdefined by the swing arm, at least a portion of the fuel tank beingdisposed above the wheel mounting portion such that a planeperpendicular to a vehicle support surface intersecting the rear wheelaxis intersects the portion of the fuel tank; wherein the plane isperpendicular to the longitudinal centerline.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the vehicle frame is the vehicle frame for a three-wheeledvehicle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front portion of thevehicle frame defines an enclosure configured to substantially surroundthe recumbent seat.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frontportion of the vehicle frame includes a seat back member, the vehicleframe including an engine mounting portion between the seat back memberand the swing arm.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: therecumbent seat supported by the front portion of the vehicle frame, therecumbent seat including a back portion, the vehicle frame including anengine mounting portion between the back portion of the seat and theswing arm.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: therecumbent seat supported by the front portion of the vehicle frame, aposition of the recumbent seat configured to be adjusted in a directionparallel to the longitudinal centerline relative to the vehicle frame.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the vehicleframe includes an engine mounting portion, the fuel tank coupled to therear portion of the vehicle frame above the engine mounting portion. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear wheel axis is perpendicularto an axis of rotation of the wheel assembly relative to the wheelmounting portion and intersects the portion of the fuel tank.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the recumbent seat is a first recumbentseat; and the front portion of the vehicle frame is configured tosupport a second recumbent seat such that the longitudinal centerline isbetween the first recumbent seat and the second recumbent seat.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear wheel axis is perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis defined by the swing arm and intersects the wheelmounting portion.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: a vehicle frame defininga longitudinal centerline, a front portion of the vehicle frameconfigured to support a recumbent seat, a rear portion of the vehicleframe including an engine mounting portion configured to mount an enginerearward of the recumbent seat; a swing arm coupled to a rear portion ofthe vehicle frame via a rotatable coupling defining a pivot point, theswing arm including a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled toa wheel assembly such that a rear wheel axis defined by the wheelmounting portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane; and a fuel tankcoupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tankis above, in a vertical plane, a longitudinal axis defined by the swingarm, and such that a majority of a length of the fuel tank along thelongitudinal axis is rearward of the pivot point.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the vehicle frame is the vehicle frame for athree-wheeled vehicle.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the frontportion of the vehicle frame includes a seat back member, the enginemounting portion of the vehicle frame between the seat back member andthe swing arm.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: therecumbent seat supported by the front portion of the vehicle frame, aposition of the recumbent seat configured to be adjusted relative to thevehicle frame.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: thewheel assembly coupled to the swing arm; and an engine coupled to theengine mounting portion of the vehicle frame, the engine operablycoupled to the wheel assembly via a chain drive.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one plane is a first plane, at least aportion of the fuel tank is disposed above the wheel mounting portionsuch that a second plane perpendicular to a vehicle support surfaceintersecting the rear wheel axis intersects the portion of the fueltank.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the rear wheel axis isperpendicular to an axis of rotation of the wheel assembly andintersects a portion of the fuel tank.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the rear wheel axis is perpendicular to a longitudinal axisdefined by the swing arm and intersects a portion of the fuel tank. 19.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, the entire fuel tank is rearward ofthe engine mounting portion.
 20. An apparatus, comprising: a vehicleframe for a three-wheeled vehicle, the vehicle frame defining alongitudinal centerline; a body coupled to the vehicle frame, the bodyincluding a seat support surface configured to support a seat; a swingarm coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle frame, the swing armincluding a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheelassembly such that a rear wheel axis defined by the wheel mountingportion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline of thevehicle frame in at least one plane; and a fuel tank coupled to thevehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above a plane defined by theseat support surface, at least a portion of the fuel tank being disposedabove the wheel mounting portion such that a plane perpendicular to avehicle support surface intersecting the rear wheel axis intersects theportion of the fuel tank; wherein the plane is perpendicular to thelongitudinal centerline.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein theplane is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline.
 22. The apparatusof claim 20, further comprising: a recumbent seat movably coupled to thebody, a position of the recumbent seat configured to be adjusted in adirection parallel to the longitudinal centerline relative to thevehicle frame.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: the body includesa seat back surface; and the vehicle frame includes an engine mountingportion between the seat back surface and the swing arm.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the rear wheel axis is perpendicular toan axis of rotation of the wheel assembly and intersects the portion ofthe fuel tank.
 25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the rear wheelaxis is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the swing armand intersects the portion of the fuel tank.